DRINKS giant Coca-Cola is to invest £17 million expanding its canning and bottling plant in Lisburn.
The move, which will create 35 new jobs, marks the single biggest investment in the Knockmore Hill site since it was opened by Coca-Cola HBC (Hellenic Bottling Company) in 2008.
It will add another 50,000 sq ft of manufacturing, warehousing and logistics space to the facility, with production expected to go live in August 2023.
The Lisburn plant currently employs around 450 of the 750 people who work across the all-island operation, which dates back to 1939.
The drinks giant said around £127m has been invested at Knockmore Hill since 2008, much of it geared towards the company’s goal of achieving net zero status by 2040.
Virtually all Coca-Cola products sold on the island are manufactured in Lisburn.
Coca-Cola HBC’s Northern Ireland operation continues to be highly profitable. Despite experiencing a negative impact from the closure of hospitality venues during lockdown, the company recorded £236.5m in sales during 2021, producing a pre-tax profit of £44m.
Miles Karemacher, general manager of the Coca-Cola HBC operation on both sides of the border, said: “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our Knockmore Hill production facility.
“Coca-Cola HBC has a rich history in Northern Ireland and this extension demonstrates our strong continued commitment to the island of Ireland and to our employees and the communities we serve here.
“I am incredibly proud of our team in Knockmore Hill and the work they do, acting as a leader in innovation and sustainability across the sector and I am confident that the future is bright for our organisation across the island in the years to come.”
The investment announcement was made on Wednesday during a visit to the Knockmore Hill site by the Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris.
“Today’s announcement and the continued investment by Coca-Cola HBC into its production facility in Lisburn is testament to the great place Northern Ireland is to do business in,” said the MP.
“With over 80 years in the area, it’s really positive to see Coca-Cola HBC’s dedication to innovation and development in Northern Ireland, creating jobs and helping to strengthen the economy.”
